Korean street food: A list for the spicy intolerant

Among all countries I have been to, South Korea (so far) has the most variety of street foods available for everyone to munch on. But not just that, the unique presentation of Korean street food can be seen in different ways – on skewers, on a shell, on a foil, and in a dumpling wrapper. Here’s a list of the street foods I have snacked on in the busy district of South Korea’s number one tourist destination, Myeongdong.

Let’s begin with the sweetest ones to the tangy, appetizing, spicy ones.

Ice cream waffles

We usually see these delicious treats in a restaurant, served on classy ceramic plates. But this is considered one of the long list of Korean street foods. Although not an authentic Korean food, one must give this a try!

Price: ₩3,000 to ₩4,000

photo from pinterest.com

Foot-long ice cream cones

Twirling an ice cream is a skill that entails a lot of time to practice. But it’s an easy thing to do for those selling these foot-long ice cream cones. You can choose from a variety of flavors – mango, strawberry, banana, chocolate, blueberry, etc. You can make it a combo of two flavors too! I would highly suggest you head over to 32 Parfait that’s located in Myeongdong too. #32Parfait

Price: ₩2,000

Jipangyi (Korean cane ice cream)

If the usual ice cream cone doesn’t give you any unique experience, then you can rather buy this ice cream served in a cane-shaped cone. It’s worth the try for its cone is made out of corn. It has already been internationalized and franchised in different countries across the globe such as Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Macau, China, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and New York, USA.

Price: ₩1,000

photo from tastyislandhawaii.com

Bungeoppang (Fish bread)

Basically, this one is made from ingredients of waffle batter. And yes you’re right, it is not a fish-filled bread. It is just a fish-shaped waffle. The stuffing that makes this street food special is the red bean paste, a Korean-favorite dessert filling. Perhaps the best Koreanized sweet street food! Definitely a cheap steal!

Price: ₩2,000

Gyerranppang

Another worth-the-try Korean street food, this oval-shaped waffle topped with whole egg can be found in hawker stalls in every corner of Myeongdong district (and most Seoul City areas). It’s best when the yolk is uncooked!

Price: ₩2,000

Dalgona or Bbopgi

It’s a light cookie snack which is surprisingly made up of only two ingredients: baking soda and white granulated sugar. A piece can be shared by two persons since it’s too sweet (although that’s optional). One of the cheapest sweet Korean street foods!

Price: ₩1,000

photo from allkpop.com

Eomuk kkochi (fish cakes)

The most affordable yet delicious Korean street food you can find that comes with a complimentary fish broth soup is absolutely worth-the-try. It is seen in most hawker stalls and subway stations. It has its Japanese street food counterpart oden.

Price: ₩500 to ₩1,000

photo from sublimeholic.blogspot.com

Gimbap

Who doesn’t know this Korean version of Japanese sushi/maki? It comes in different flavors – tuna, chicken, cheese, beef, kimchi, etc. These rolls are the best on-the-go snack to try when you’re in Seoul.

Price: ₩1,000 to ₩3,000

Soondae or sundae

No we’re done talking about ice cream, this isn’t about it anymore. This Korean street food is actually common worldwide, which every country has its own variation of it. Koreans made a twist in which other than the thickened pig blood, it also contains japchae (glass noodles), glutinous rice and barley. Give it a shot and compare it to your hometown’s version!

Price: ₩3,000

photo from migrationology.com

Dak kkochi

It’s basically grilled chicken on skewer dipped into different kinds of sauce, but usually sweet and spicy. It can be seen usually displayed next to eomuk kkochi in most hawker stalls.

Price: ₩2,000 to ₩3,000

photo from livinko.com

Jjinmandu

Mandu is similar to Chinese jiaozi and Japanese gyoza. South Korea has a lot of variations of it. This one below is a kimchi mandu that contains kimchi, japchae, and vegetables, topped with generous servings of blow-torched melted cheese. You have an option if you like it with spicy or original sauce.

Price: ₩3,000

Tteokbokki

Cylinder-shaped sticky glutinous rice drench in spicy Korean sauce must be on your list of Korean street foods to try. Although it Is also served in most Korean restaurants, some hawker stalls serve better version of Tteokbokki.

Korean street food is amazingly tasty, I must say that! I’m living with a Korean roommate and she recommended few dishes whereas Cez just returned from Seoul and he loved the food there!!!! 🙂 Can’t wait to explore Korea soon!